News

Nominate your Grassroots Hero

Published: 25 June, 2013
by Ashley Houghton

Take part in national campaign to recognise unsung heroes.

The Football Association has teamed up with the Premier League as part of its special search for 150 ‘Grassroots Heroes’ to mark its 150th anniversary year – and now Sunderland fans can get involved as well.

The FA150 celebrations has grassroots football firmly at its heart, with a major aim of the year-long festivities to recognise, and reward, the football workforce, the volunteers and employees who routinely give up their time for the good of the game.

HRH The Duke of Cambridge, The FA President, will support a special event in October to honour the FA150 Grassroots Heroes, with representatives from Premier League clubs also set to attend.

The 150 heroes that are chosen will, ultimately, be representative of all levels of the game, from those involved at the elite level through to volunteers at community clubs.

The Premier League will put forward ten people to make up the 150 Grassroots Heroes. If you know someone connected to Sunderland that deserves to shine in the spotlight, you can nominate them today.

Heroes should have made a long-term contribution to the game as recognised by their peers. And, if they are an employee, they should have gone above and beyond their normal duties to put something back into the game.

HRH The Duke of Cambridge said: “My hope is that our 150th year really shines a light on all of The FA’s great work.

“In particular, I would like it to highlight the incredible efforts of the 400,000 volunteers that deliver the game week in, week out, up and down the country; the mums and dads, coaches, referees and administrators who give their time to make pitches ready, get organise the fixtures and wash all those kits.

“The Olympics and Paralympics highlighted the spirit of the British people to volunteer, but I know it is something that has always been part of our great game.

“I am delighted that The FA will be honouring this army of volunteers through a special 150 Grassroots Heroes initiative. They deserve our full praise and unstinting thanks.”

To nominate your Grassroots Hero, send their name, age and address along with a short paragraph to say why they have been nominated to webmaster@safc.com.